Student Welfare & Support

Living in New Zealand and AucklandNew Zealand is a modern, English-speaking country with a rich cultural heritage. It is a safe, politically stable, with a high standard of living, and known internationally for its stunning natural landscapes and indigenous Māori culture. Students from all over the world enjoy living in New Zealand because of the natural beauty, friendly people, abundance of adventure sports and an excellent education system. Learning in New Zealand is not only about gaining knowledge but also about encouraging original thinking.

Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city and the country’s economic powerhouse. The city is located between the sparkling waters of the Waitemata and Manukau harbours and has a population of nearly 1.5 million. Auckland enjoys a warm coastal climate without extremes of temperature. It is one of the sunniest spots in the country, with annual sunshine hours of 2,060. The region also has regular rainfall, which ensures the lushness of its forests and parks. The city is renowned for its volcanic landscapes, beautiful beaches, gulf islands and friendly people. Sacred Heart is located in the Auckland suburb of Glendowie, which overlooks the Tamaki Estuary. For the fourth year running, Auckland has been named the third best place to live in the world out of 221 international cities in terms of quality of life.

Support for International StudentsAt Sacred Heart College, International Students are supported by the teachers, year deans, the international department staff, staff in boarding hostel, homestay families, and guardians and caregivers.

International Department SupportWe understand how challenging it is to study in a new country and new environment. The International Department is dedicated to helping students adapt to a new culture and provides a high level of support to our international students. The International Department has a full-time International Director, an International Student Dean, a Homestay and Welfare Co-ordinator and a part-time Office Administrator. Everyone plays a role in supporting and ensuring students are safe and happy. We interview international students regularly to make sure they progress well academically, are happy in their homestay and boarding hostel. Below are a snapshot of what we are doing at International Department and ELL Department for our International Students:

A comprehensive orientation programme to help new students to settle well academically and socially

Ongoing academic support and guidance to making sure that each student gets ahead

Free after school Study Centre every day supervised by subject teachers;

Afterschool English workshops for students wishing to develop their English skills more quickly

Prefects tutoring and buddy support from committed senior students who are willing to help

Term interviews for each International student on academic progress and welfare conducted by experienced International Department staff

Career advice and University application assistance from our excellent Career Centre staff

A comprehensive online Parent Portal for parents to access essential information on their son’s academic progress and social integration such as School Report, Daily Notice, Timetable, Attendance, NCEA Summary, Awards etc.

Free student visa renewal services

Free assistance on insurance claim

Career PlanningThe College organises an annual career night and invites the majority of New Zealand Universities and Polytechnics to talk about the options for further study. The career counsellor at the College offers advice on further study opportunities in universities/polytechnics in New Zealand and sometimes abroad. There are one on one career counselling sessions for each one of International Students from Years 11 to 13, and university prospectuses are available for students. Sacred Heart College graduates have had great success being accepted into top NZ universities and some of the world's best universities.

Other support services available to students are:

College Chaplain: Arrange for an interview through the Director of Pastoral Care or the Director of Special Character

Catholic Family and Community Services: Offers support, assistance and counselling for all individuals and families. Tel: 09 378 9650

Youthline: Telephone counselling services available from 11am – 11pm, 7 days a week. A service for all young people and their families. Tel: 0800 376 633